Threads, the new app that has taken the social media world by storm, has broken records by gaining over 100 million users in less than a week. This impressive feat has surpassed the previous record held by ChatGPT, which achieved the same number of users in two months. Before that, it was TikTok that held the record, reaching 100 million users in nine months. It is clear that Threads has made a significant impact in a very short amount of time.
Threads, which was launched on July 5 for iOS and Android, has leveraged the existing user base of Instagram by allowing users to sign up with their Instagram credentials. With 1.6 billion users already on Instagram, this integration has made it easier for them to transition to Threads. However, it is important to note that Threads operates as a separate app that users must download and activate their profile on in order to use it.
Mark Weinstein, a social media and privacy expert as well as the founder of MeWe, comments on the success of Threads, stating that previous attempts at Twitter clones have failed to achieve mainstream success. However, with its integration with Instagram and its massive user base, Threads has a real chance of challenging Twitter’s dominance in this segment. Weinstein also highlights the data collection practices of Threads, suggesting that it collects vast amounts of user data for sale to advertisers.
While Threads is available in 100 countries, it is important to note that it does not operate in the European Union. Therefore, the record-breaking user count does not include potential users from the EU. However, Meta, the parent company of Instagram, plans to launch Threads in the EU in the future. It remains unclear whether the delay is due to the EU’s antitrust laws or concerns over the app’s privacy practices.
Weinstein raises concerns about the data harvesting and surveillance capitalism that seems to be the business model of Threads, similar to other products from Meta. According to Apple’s App Privacy Details, Threads collects a wide range of user data, including location, contacts, purchases, browsing history, search history, financial information, health and fitness data, and more. This raises questions about user privacy and the potential misuse of personal information.
For Instagram users who join Threads, their profile will indicate their membership and display a counter for the user count. However, it is important to note that having signed-up users does not necessarily mean that they are active users. The challenge for Threads will be to retain and engage its user base as it continues to grow.
In conclusion, Threads has achieved remarkable success in a short amount of time by gaining over 100 million users in less than a week. Its integration with Instagram and the vast user base of the photo-sharing app has played a significant role in its rapid growth. However, concerns have been raised about the app’s data collection practices and its potential impact on user privacy. As Threads expands to the EU in the future, it will face additional challenges and scrutiny. Only time will tell if Threads can maintain its momentum and become a true rival to Twitter in the social media landscape.